Data Sheet
RoboClaw Solo Motor Controller Data Sheet
(c) 2016 Basicmicro. All Rights Reserved.
7
Control Modes
RoboClaw has 4 main functional control modes explained below. Each mode has several conguration options. The modes
can be congured using Motion Studio or the built-in buttons. Refer to the RoboClaw User Manual for installation and
setup instructions.
RC
Using RC mode RoboClaw can be controlled from any hobby RC radio system. RC input mode also allows low powered
microcontrollers such as a Basic Stamp to control RoboClaw. Servo pulse inputs are used to control the direction and
speed. Very similar to how a regular servo is controlled. Encoders are supported in RC mode, refer to the RoboClaw user
manual for setup instructions.
Analog
Analog mode uses an analog signal from 0V to 2V to control the speed and direction of each motor. RoboClaw can be
controlled using a potentiometer or ltered PWM from a microcontroller. Analog mode is ideal for interfacing RoboClaw
with joystick positioning systems or other non microcontroller interfacing hardware. Encoders are supported in Analog
mode, refer to the RoboClaw user manual for setup instructions.
Simple Serial
In simple serial mode RoboClaw expects TTL level RS-232 serial data to control direction and speed of each motor.
Simple serial is typically used to control RoboClaw from a microcontroller or PC. If using a PC, a MAX232 or an equivalent
level converter circuit must be used since RoboClaw only works with TTL level inputs. Simple serial includes a slave select
mode which allows multiple RoboClaws to be controlled from a signal RS-232 port (PC or microcontroller). Simple serial
is a one way format, RoboClaw can only receive data. Encoders are not supported in Simple Serial mode.
Packet Serial
In packet serial mode RoboClaw expects TTL level RS-232 serial data to control direction and speed of each motor. Packet
serial is typically used to control RoboClaw from a microcontroller or PC. If using a PC a MAX232 or an equivalent level
converter circuit must be used since RoboClaw only works with TTL level input. In packet serial mode each RoboClaw is
assigned a unique address. There are 8 addresses available. This means up to 8 RoboClaws can be on the same serial
port. Encoders are supported in Packet Serial mode, refer to the RoboClaw user manual for setup instructions.
USB Control
USB can be used in any mode. When RoboClaw is in packet serial mode and another device, such as an Arduino, is
connected commands from the USB and Arduino will be executed and can potentially override one another. However if
RoboClaw is not in packet serial mode, motor movement commands will be overiden by Analog or RC pulse input. USB
packet serial commands can then only be used to read status information and set conguration settings.